Corporate
November 12, 2008
Richard Fox To Be Named Commendatore dell’Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana
(November 12, 2008 – Rome) - Richard Fox, Executive Vice President, International, Warner Bros., will receive the honorary title Commendatore dell’Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana (Commander of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic) on November 17. He will be presented this recognition by Gianni Letta, Undersecretary of State for the Prime Minister at a ceremony in Rome at the historic Palazzo Chigi, the office of the Italian Prime Minister.
The Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana is conferred by the President of the Italian Republic on Italian and foreign citizens who have shown great merit and distinguished themselves through lasting contributions to Italian society in the fields of literature, the economy, public service, and social, philanthropic and humanitarian activities. Among the award’s prior recipients are diplomats, academicians, senior Italian politicians, high ranking officials and religious leaders. Previous honorees include Carlo Verdone, Giuseppe Tornatore, Giorgio Armani, Luciano Benetton, Michael Schumacher, Pedro Almódovar and Luca Cordero di Montezemolo.
Fox is being honored for his lifetime commitment to cultural diversity, exemplified by his achievements in the international film industry, and for his significant contribution to the development of local production in the Italian movie industry.
“Richard's respect for and understanding of the Italian tradition of filmmaking have helped Warner Bros. build an enviable reputation in the world of international film,” said Barry Meyer, Chairman & CEO, Warner Bros.
“We are all extremely proud that Italy, with its rich history and love of film, has recognized Richard's contributions to strengthening the country’s film industry and his commitment to cultural diversity in the arts and entertainment by honoring him with this prestigious award,” added Alan Horn, President & COO, Warner Bros.
Since 1992, Fox has overseen local language co-production, acquisition, marketing and distribution in more than 20 countries around the world on behalf of Warner Bros. Entertainment. He began his career at Warner Bros. in 1975 and 10 years later was named President, Warner Bros. Pictures International, where he headed the distribution of the Studio's film product in all overseas markets before moving into his present position in 1992.
Under his leadership, Warner Bros. has been involved in such successful film projects as “Romanzo Criminale,” directed by Michele Placido, “Mio Fratello è figlio unico,” directed by Daniele Luchetti and “Giorni e Nuovole,” directed by Silvio Soldini, all critical and box office successes in Italy; Pedro Almodóvar's recent releases “Talk to Her,” “Bad Education” and “Volver” as well as the upcoming “Los Abrozos rotos” for Spain and Italy; and Jean-Pierre Jeunet's “Un Long Dimanche De Fiancailles” (“A Very Long Engagement”), which became the most widely distributed French film in history. # # #